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The Importance of Empathy
Ed Kirwan
Empathy Studios
March 20, 2026
Join Ed Kirwan from Empathy Studios for an immersive full-day CPD equipping educators with practical tools, strategies and reflective space to build and embed empathy as a core skill across their teaching practice, leadership approach and wider school culture.
Based on research-backed framework, the session is skills focused - not problem focused - providing educators with the confidence to navigate difficult conversations, support student wellbeing, and foster inclusive compassionate learning environments.
Participants will experience how empathy can be taught and developed through storytelling, film, and discussion, and leave with the confidence and resources to roll out this approach in their own context.
Session Outline
1. Exploring the Empathy Framework
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Introduction to the 3-part empathy development model
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Introduction to using film as a tool for empathy building
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Focusing on skill building over problem solving
2.Empathy for myself and Empathy for others
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Workshops which offer self reflection and group work that capture the importance of empathy
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Holding space for student views on topics like war, conflict, identity and injustice
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Strategies to move from reactive to reflective discussions and build empathy
3. Empathy in Action - Leading Change in Schools
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Identify opportunities to build a school culture rooted in empathy
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Case studies of successful empathy projects
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Design and plan ideas to implement empathy initiatives in your own school
Outcomes of the Day
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A deepened understanding of empathy as a teachable skill, not a fixed trait
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Be equipped with a clear framework for developing empathy in themselves, their students and their wider school culture
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Understanding how to use film and storytelling to foster deeper emotional connection and critical thinking
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Be confident in facilitating difficult conversations in a way that centres emotional safety and open dialogue
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A clear action plan for applying their learning and training others
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Price
€350 includes
- Access to MITA Pre Conference
- Access to MITA Conference
- 50% discount to the
Empathy Platform(pre con attendees only)
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